Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken is more than just a dish; it’s an explosion of flavors that conjures up laughter, joy, and the warm embrace of summer gatherings. Picture this: succulent chicken slathered in smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, served with a side of nostalgia. The aroma wafts through the air, beckoning friends and family to gather around the grill as they anticipate juicy bites and hearty conversations. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken
- How to Make Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What ingredients do I need for Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken?
- How long should I grill Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken?
- Can I make Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken ahead of time?
- What sides pair well with Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken?
- Conclusion for Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken:
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every time I fire up the grill for this Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken recipe, I’m transported back to my childhood backyard parties, where laughter echoed and the food was always plentiful. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any celebration—whether you’re commemorating freedom or simply enjoying a sunny day. Trust me when I say, once you taste this chicken, you’ll want to make it a staple at every cookout!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken is incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for both beginners and seasoned chefs.
- The bold flavors of the marinade create a mouthwatering experience that will impress everyone at your table.
- With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
- This dish is versatile enough to be served at family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners without missing a beat.
Ingredients for Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are perfect for grilling due to their rich flavor and juiciness; feel free to use breasts if you prefer.
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps lock in moisture while adding a touch of richness to the dish.
- Garlic Powder: This adds depth without overpowering the other flavors; fresh garlic works too if you’re feeling fancy.
- Smoked Paprika: It infuses that delightful smoky flavor reminiscent of backyard barbecues. mini wraps for snacking.
- Brown Sugar: To balance the spices with sweetness; it caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Pick something tangy and rich—homemade or store-bought works wonders here!
For the Marinade:
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by cleaning your chicken thighs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and lemon juice until thoroughly combined. You’ll want your kitchen to smell like heaven right about now!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken into a large resealable bag or a bowl; pour in the marinade and seal tightly. Give it a good shake (or massage) so every piece gets coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least one hour—overnight is even better if you can wait that long.
Step 4: Preheat Your Grill
Just before you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). This step ensures those beautiful grill marks—and trust me, they matter!
Step 5: Grill It Up!
Remove your chicken from marinade and let excess drip off before placing them on the hot grill. Cook for about six minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Don’t forget to brush on some BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for that sticky goodness!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked through, remove them from the grill and let rest for five minutes before serving. Transfer to plates and drizzle more BBQ sauce over each piece for an extra burst of flavor.
There you have it! Your Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken is ready to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy with classic sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob for an unforgettable meal that celebrates flavor and freedom! For more inspiration, check out this Pecan Pie Bars recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- This Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken recipe offers more than just mouthwatering flavor; it creates a celebration of culture and community.
- The sizzle of the chicken on the grill paired with the smoky aroma will elevate any gathering, making it a perfect centerpiece for your feast.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse those delicious flavors. While it’s soaking up the goodness, prepare your grill so it’s hot and ready. Grill the chicken until it’s charred perfectly, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the spices in your marinade! Add some cayenne for heat or honey for sweetness. You can also use different types of chicken like thighs or wings depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it stays juicy and tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinate your chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Always preheat your grill to get those beautiful grill marks.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling for juiciness.
Cooking this dish always brings back memories of our family gatherings, where laughter fills the air as we enjoy each other’s company and delicious food together.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken?
To make delicious Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken, you will need chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts), your favorite BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful marinade that enhances the taste of the chicken. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra boost. Make sure to let the chicken marinate for at least an hour before grilling to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
How long should I grill Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken?
Grilling Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and your grill’s heat level. It’s essential to preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. Flip the chicken halfway through and baste with additional BBQ sauce if desired. To ensure it’s fully cooked, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I make Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in your chosen spices and BBQ sauce a day before grilling. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once grilled, you can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it on the grill or in the oven when you’re ready to serve it again. This method saves time and ensures you have a tasty meal ready for gatherings.
What sides pair well with Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken?
Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides that complement its smoky flavor. Consider serving classic options like coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or potato salad for a traditional touch. cool cucumber sandwiches Grilled vegetables or corn on the cob also make excellent accompaniments and add vibrant colors to your plate. watermelon sticks with lime For a refreshing twist, serve a light cucumber salad or watermelon slices as a side dish.
Conclusion for Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken:
In summary, preparing Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken is a straightforward process that results in a mouthwatering dish perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Using simple ingredients like olive oil and spices creates bold flavors while grilling adds that irresistible smoky finish. perfect chicken skewers By allowing proper marination time and pairing it with delightful sides, you can elevate this dish further. Celebrate this special occasion with deliciously grilled BBQ chicken that honors tradition while satisfying every palate!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Juneteenth Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Juneteenth grilled BBQ chicken is a flavorful homage to summer gatherings and cultural heritage. This dish features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a smoky barbecue sauce, creating an unforgettable centerpiece for any celebration. Perfect for cookouts or commemorative occasions, each bite evokes warmth, laughter, and nostalgia, making it a must-try recipe for your next family feast.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
- Clean the chicken thighs under cold water and pat dry.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and lemon juice to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken in a resealable bag or bowl, pour the marinade over it, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off before placing it on the grill.
- Grill for about 6 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with additional BBQ sauce drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken thigh (approximately 112g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
